BMI Result: 5ft 8in, 188 lbs (BMI 28.6) - Male
According to CDC and WHO standards, a BMI of 28.6 is classified as Overweight.
A male who is 5ft 8in tall and weighs 188lbs has a BMI of 28.6, which falls into the Overweight category used by the CDC and WHO for adults.
| Category | BMI Range |
|---|---|
| Underweight | < 18.5 |
| Overweight | 25 – 29.9 |
| Obese | ≥ 30 |
Healthy weight range for 5ft 8in: 122 lbs – 164 lbs
Metric: 172.7 cm, 85.3 kg
📏 Healthy waist circumference for your height: 35" – 40" (below 40" for male)
So you're 5ft 8in and weigh 188lbs. Your BMI is 28.6, which falls into the Overweight category according to CDC and WHO standards. Let's break down what this means for your health.
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Understanding Your BMI
A BMI in the 25-29.9 range indicates excess weight relative to height. According to CDC data, this range is associated with a 20-30% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes and hypertension.
What This Means for Your Height
For men of average height, BMI is a reliable screening tool. The CDC recommends keeping waist circumference below 40 inches to minimize health risks.
Weight & Threshold
Gaining approximately 9.2 lbs would bring your BMI to 30, the start of the next category.
⬆️ Gaining approximately 9.2 lbs would put you in the Obese BMI range.
⬇️ Losing approximately 23.7 lbs would bring you to the Normal BMI threshold.
Waist & Health
The CDC recommends that men keep waist circumference below 40 inches. A waist-to-height ratio below 0.5 is also associated with lower health risks.
Age Context
For adults in early to middle adulthood (20-44), BMI is a reliable screening tool. At 21 years old, a man at 5ft 8in and 188lbs has a BMI of 28.6, which falls into the Overweight category according to CDC and WHO standards.
Your BMI falls into the overweight category. The CDC notes that even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve health markers.
👉 Check your Healthy Weight Range for more context.
👉 Measure your Body Fat Percentage for a more complete picture.
Health Analysis
Recommendations
General Health
A BMI of 28.6 is above the CDC and WHO healthy range of 18.5-24.9. Even a modest weight loss of 5-10% can improve health markers. Consider consulting a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
Monitoring
In addition to BMI, pay attention to waist circumference. The CDC recommends males stay under 40 inches. Regular tracking of your measurements over time provides the most useful insight into your health trends.
Next Steps
If you're concerned about your weight or body composition, a healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance based on your full health profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BMI for a 5ft 8in man at 188lbs?
What health risks are associated with a BMI of 28.6 for a 5ft 8in man?
Am I at a healthy weight at 5ft 8in and 188lbs?
How common is a BMI of 28.6 for a 5ft 8in man?
Related Tools & Articles
💡 About this calculation: BMI = (188 × 703) ÷ (68 × 68) = 28.6 | Metric: 172.7 cm, 85.3 kg
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Published: 2026-08-28